Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and visiting Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas, particularly border security and shared economic prosperity.

During Sonexay's official visit to Thailand, the two leaders discussed strategies for strengthening border security to combat transnational crimes, including drugs and human trafficking, and the growing threat of scam operations concentrated in border areas.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Paetongtarn pledged to enhance cross-border law enforcement and called for stronger coordination between Thai and Lao authorities through intelligence sharing and joint investigations to prevent illegal exploitation of national resources.

Furthermore, she proposed leveraging the Lancang-Mekong framework, with Thailand serving as the chair this year, to promote robust regional collaboration.

On shared economic prosperity, both sides agreed to adopt the bilateral trade target of 11 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.

Paetongtarn commended Laos for facilitating cross-border agricultural exports, increasing the number of fruit cargo trains and expanding inspection points at the Laos-China border.

Sonexay affirmed Laos' commitment to further developing border trade cooperation, especially in reducing agricultural burning, which affects the environment and public health in both countries.

He also highlighted the importance of enhanced transportation connectivity, including plans for additional infrastructure projects, such as a new railway bridge linking Thailand with the China-Laos Railway network, to accommodate expanding trade and travel demands.